Travel Stories : 24-Hours in Singapore (Part 1)

Write up by Count Extra

Whoever says that “You can’t do much within 24 hours during a travel” clearly did not know how to do it or maybe they've just haven't been traveling with the right people i.e us two.

Recently, we managed to secure some time (and budget) to do another round of traveling but this time we did it about 24 hours-ish (to be exact, 36 hours including sleeping time) in Singapore! Count Extra and Sir Cheapskate were not on another duo trip this time but we invited two more of our fellow Winston Street’s contributors but first and foremost our friends as part of our entourage. (Sis Tag Along who has written about her trip to Ladakh, India and Ajie)

Touchdown at Changi International Airport

For tourists who arrived in Changi Airport have the options to take the following mode of transportations:

1. Train

2. Public Bus

3. Taxi/Uber

Moving Around

Of course we went for the most convenient option which is the train. We purchased the Tourist Pass (2-days duration) option at SGD 16 plus deposit of SGD 10 per person. This option is highly recommendable for those who are traveling to Singapore on a limited amount of time as you will save a lot of time and money in ticket purchasing to go about the city.

We boarded the MRT and arrived in our accommodation at Spacepod@com located in Kallang, approximately 400 meters away from the Kallang MRT station and dropped our bags. We then made our way for lunch in Arab Street.

Arab Street and Haji Lane

We managed to grab some good ‘Nasi Campur’ from one of the Malay restaurants in Arab Street before venturing off around the area.

You can take Nasi Campur away from a Malay but not a Malay from Nasi Campur.

Did you know that Haji Lane is located in the heart of Kampong Glam known as Singapore’s original indie neighborhood with its own boutiques, cafes, bars and not to mentioned its beautiful murals? One has been here quite a number of times but can’t seem to get enough of the vibes coming out from every corner of this area.

Sultan Mosque

After that we made our way to venture the rest of Kampong Glam’s area; Masjid Sultan or also known as the Sultan Mosque. This mosque is quite packed with tourists coming to enjoy the beauty of this historic monument. So, from what we know (Wikied) is that the Sultan Mosque was built in the 1820s for the first Sultan of Singapore i.e Sultan Hussein Shah.

What you’re looking at here is the rebuilt look of the mosque which was completed in the 1930s. Tourists are allowed to visit the interior of the mosque provided that they do not cross over the barriers set around he praying area. Our timing was impeccable as we were lucky enough to visit during a marriage solemnization of a local couple! May they have a blessed marriage life and happiness in return, because anyone who are bestowed with our presence will always be. Lol kbye.

Marina Bay Sands

This is THE tourists spot, especially for those who are in for shopping *cough*me*cough* but I was refraining myself from buying anything as we’re saving up for a Crazy Rich Asians themed trip in the future (dropping subtle hint).

So we rushed ourselves to the ArtsScience Museum and pretty much anticipated the long queue. Hence, no frustration nor disappointment with the long queue at all as it was a Marvel’s exhibition after all.

ArtScience Museum

We managed to “cheat” the line as I decided to just purchase our tickets via their website. Could have done this earlier but YOLO.

The tickets were SGD 29 per person that covers two main exhibitions of the museum i.e Future World: Where Art Meets Science and the Marvel Studios: Ten Years of Heroes exhibition.

We covered the first exhibition quite briefly and hung around the area for pictures. There was this big space that is projecting ocean waves in an artistic way of highlighting the elegance motion of the waves. It was pretty cool to me but then again my level of expectation is quite low i.e. easily impressed. Though I can’t say the same for Sir Cheapskate but he did enjoy that part of the first exhibition too.

This exhibition is most suitable for kids to be exact. They have a few exhibits with interactive tools such as colouring station that will scan your (kids) artwork to be projected as part of the visual projection.

Marvel Studios: Ten Years of Heroes

Our level of excitement we felt started to sink in even before the tickets were bought? On a scale of 1 to 10; mine was a 12.

Upon entering, our excitement shoot up to 50 as we were welcomed the Bifrost Rainbow Bridge (projected on the wall and floor!) FYI, Bifrost acts as a link between all the Nine Realms of the Norse cosmos. I should stop here cause we do not want this post to turn into a “All You Need To Know About Thor For Dummies” post.

Besides Thor, the exhibition covered Iron Man, Captain America, Doctor Strange, Ant Man, Black Panther and they even featured Thanos since he was introduced in the latest Avenger movies (can’t wait for the sequel by the way). #teamDoctorStrange #TeamCaptainAmerica #TeamThor

Not so fun fact: Sir Cheapskate secretly thinks that he is Thor.

We did learn more about these characters on their back stories and how Marvel Cinematic Universe came about. But I must say that I was disappointed with Ant Man' exhibit as he literally had a small platform/table which had him being put under a microscope. That’s about it. Would have loved to see him displayed in man-size but they they went to display him in his ant-size.

Once we’re done with the exhibition, we made our way out into Marina Bay Sands observation deck just to walk around the building and observed the city from a vantage point. I secretly wished we could have gone to the top of the building where Crazy Rich Asians was filmed but maybe that can be arranged with the help (or by the grace) of Sir Cheapskate?

Helix Bridge

We dropped by the Helix Bridge just outside of the museum. Fun fact, throughout the bridge, the inner spirals are utilized to create a shade for pedestrians walking along the bridge and it also has viewing platforms incorporated into the design to give access to the pedestrians with a way to enjoy and take amazing views from the Helix Bridge itself.

I personally feel that you should come here both during the day and night but you would probably prefer the night view as you can see the building lights and its variety just make a spectacular view to enjoy.

Restoran Zam Zam

It was almost dusk when we made our way back to Arab Street to have our dinner at the legendary Restoran Zam Zam, located right opposite Sultan Mosque.

Based on the first impression, you would think that the restaurant has limited space at the ground floor, which is true. However, if you go up the stairs, there are multiple dining rooms with more seating.

By the way, the restaurant is fully air-conditioned so you can rest and relax here too when you’re just tired from all the sightseeing.

Having been around since the 1900s, the restaurant has proven to be worthy of being on Singapore’s Must Go places for food hunting. Their specialty is mainly the ‘murtabak’ which is a thin dough packet that has stuffings which usually comprises of minced meat and eggs which are then fried in oil to a golden crisp. It is not easy to make a murtabak as proper skills are required in handling delicate doughs.

This place is packed so please be considerate and not stay too long after you are done. Other people are standing here and there waiting for available seats.

Accommodation: Spacepod@com

Our accommodation doesn't look much from outside but we have learned many times; “Don’t judge a book by its cover” as “Looks can be deceiving.”

Spacepod@com of Kallang is actually a pretty sweet hostel if you have only limited number of time in Singapore. You will definitely have a comfortable time here with their concept of capsule hotel.

Each of the guest has their own “pod” that has almost everything provided such as ample lightings, sockets, USB sockets (major plus point) and also comfortable linens and pillows.

Furthermore, each pod has their own blinds which makes total sense for own privacy. While Spacepod@com does not provide en-suite bathroom and shower, rest assured their cleanliness are well maintained. Towels and toiletries are provided for the guests upon check in. They even provide washing machine and dryer in their bathroom area.

For those who are considered “tall”, do not worry as the capsules/pods are able to accommodate your height as this has been endorsed by Sir Cheapskate who is just 5 inch short of a giant status. I give it a 4 stars rating if you ask for my personal review on this accommodation.

END OF PART 1

- Count Extra